EverydayCait

I’ve been trying really hard to avoid burnout. Usually I take summers “off” to focus on rest and reflection before the school year starts, but this year my mind feels pulled a thousand different directions. In a good way, I guess. I feel challenged and motivated in ways I haven’t in a while. But it’s also a lot. It’s heavy. A good heavy, but I can’t keep moving forward if I’m too bogged down.⠀ .⠀ So I took a chunk of today to just play with some makeup. It’s also been a bit since I broke out contacts instead of glasses and studio lighting. Really went all out here, compared to my usual lockdown look. Didn’t do brows but that’s why I have bangs. Everything I have on came from the @tartecosmetics Tarte Kit Builder Sale! The foundation sits awesome on my chin, but definitely doesn’t cover all the texture on my face, especially around my eyes: I don’t mind. I like a little skin showing through. I’ll have a full review up tomorrow, but thought I’d do a little sneak peak today.⠀ .⠀ .⠀ Shop the products I used at http://liketk.it/2RurL #liketkit @liketoknow.it ⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ . ⠀ ⠀ #midwestbloggers #morningslikethis #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuewhatislovely #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #seeingthepretty #glitterguide #beautyyouseek #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #beautyblogs #beautybloggerlife #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #darlingmoments

I mean, ice cream should be a food group, and little Gravy agrees, I think! It’s been a gloomy day, so ima thinking about walks outside in the suns and locally sourced ice cream instead. 🍦 @lovecreamery is always a winner for us. Also this sweater is on sale for under $12! Huge markdown and great quality. Definitely something that will last a few years. . . . . . Outfit details (including from the pup!) here: http://liketk.it/2RpP5 #liketkit @liketoknow.it . #midwestbloggers #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #abmfoodie #eatcaptureshare #shareyourtable #dessertheaven #sweetcravings #dessertlovers #darlingmoments

I want to introduce you to one of my favorite local businesses. If you know me, you know I looove giving gifts. It’s my personal therapy, shopping and wrapping and sending things that I know someone will love. But you know, I also like to GET gifts. I was having kind of a shit day when @whitesprucemarket DM’d me to say I’d won a giveaway! I have given white spruce boxes three times now, but I’d never seen one in person. Oh my god, if you need to send a gift, this is THE THING. A lot of the products they use in their gift sets are locally sourced, and getting one feels like a million dollars. You can swipe through to see what was in the box...and proof that angles are everything 😂 Please go check them out, you won’t be disappointed! . . . . . Link to a few items in the box, if you want them individually, plus some similar dresses! http://liketk.it/2RlZN #liketkit @liketoknow.it . #midwestbloggers #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuewhatislovely #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #seeingthepretty #glitterguide #beautyyouseek #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #beautyblogs #beautybloggerlife #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #darlingmoments

So, to be perfectly honest, I kind of think that naked cakes look like trash, even when they’re well done. But people like them! I decided to revisit last year’s ill-fated Momofuku Birthday Cake. This one is MUCH better than my first attempt! Hoping to have the update on the blog soon! What do you think — load on the frosting, or naked? . . . . . Supplies linked here! http://liketk.it/2Ri9x #liketkit @liketoknow.it #midwestbloggers #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #abmfoodie #eatcaptureshare #eatpretty #shareyourtable #dessertheaven #sweetcravings #dessertlovers

Scarves tied in bunny ears and hanging out in the grass ❤️ not pictured: Gravy rolling in our ashy fire pit and then tracking black paw prints all over the house. I also love this square scarf from @hemlockgoods and need someone to talk me out of the three times in my cart 😬 . . . . . #midwestbloggers #morningslikethis #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuewhatislovely #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #seeingthepretty #glitterguide #beautyyouseek #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #beautyblogs #beautybloggerlife #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #darlingmoments

My nails kinda matched my earrings today and I was really excited about that. . . . . . #midwestbloggers #morningslikethis #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuewhatislovely #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #seeingthepretty #glitterguide #beautyyouseek #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #beautyblogs #beautybloggerlife #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #darlingmoments

Let’s talk food for a second. One of our goals when we moved to Minnesota was to really double down on eating local. In Montana, we lived in a place where almost all produce was grown internationally and had to be bought at a big box store, so I was excited to be somewhere with a really vibrant local farming community. I just wasn’t feeling good about our carbon footprint, or that we weren’t able to support the small farmers near us.⠀ .⠀ It’s not much, but our quick pre-dinner snack today was heirloom tomatoes, sheep mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Everything but the drizzle is from within 50 miles! It’s also surprisingly affordable. For example, sheep mozzarella sounds pricey, but we get it through our Bayfield Foods CSA (@bayfieldfoods) delivery every month, which costs less than $60 a week for nearly ALL the food we eat. We eat more vegetables and try more new things than we ever have. ⠀ .⠀ We also chose to pay up front and not paying for groceries every week has been awesome. It helps us free up more of the budget for things like donating to causes and people (especially since March). I didn’t think this would be something that saved us money, but it’s been amazing.⠀ .⠀ Do you get any of your groceries locally, or from a small business? I love that we have that option here, but know that it’s not possible for everyone. Food deserts are no joke, but I suggest looking on a website called Harvie to see if there’s a similar CSA program near you. This isn’t sponsored or anything, I just REALLY love our farm food.⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ . ⠀ ⠀ #midwestbloggers #morningslikethis #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuewhatislovely #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #seeingthepretty #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #darlingmoments #farmtotable #farmtofork #eatlocalthinkglobal #localfood

“Isn’t this a great tie? It was $4.”⠀ .⠀ Thanks to dad for teaching me the value of a dollar, how to drive a skidloader, how to polish boots, use a drill...countless other skills. He told me it was okay if I failed organic chemistry and was so proud when I got a B-. If you only get one dad, I’m happy this is the one I got.⠀ .⠀ Happy Father’s Day to all the dads. Old dads, new dads, men who are honorary dads, pet dads, expectant dads, and men who just want to be dads.⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ . ⠀ #midwestbloggers #morningslikethis #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuewhatislovely #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #seeingthepretty #glitterguide #beautyyouseek #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #beautyblogs #beautybloggerlife #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #darlingmoments

I just wanted to eat my ice cream in peace, but someone wanted to share 😅⠀ .⠀ We stopped by my favorite local ice cream place today (@lovecreamery). If you’re in Duluth you have to stop! They have tons of unique flavors and dairy free options too. I had salted PB&J, and Charles has whiskey pecan (actually tasted like whiskey). They even brought Gravy a little treat. Also, not to brag, but I have enough punches on my loyalty card for a free pint. Super excited 😂 .⠀ It’s been a little chilly here so I broke out this sweater from @loft. I was sure it was going to be in my closet until fall, but the lake coast weather is always crisp. What’s the summer temperature like for you? We’re only in the 60s/70s here most days. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Are you breaking out the sweaters or living in shorts? ⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ . ⠀ ⠀ #midwestbloggers #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #abmfoodie #eatcaptureshare #eatpretty #shareyourtable #dessertheaven #sweetcravings #dessertlovers #darlingmoments

Hello there! I’m so excited you’re here...looking at my face. We have to catalogue all good hair days extensively. It’s a little early for Friday introductions, but hey, whatever. The usual: Caitlin. Lipstick enthusiast, dog lover, and traveler based out of northern Minnesota. I feel like the most “me” thing I can tell you is that I had only cheese as more than one meal today. This is not unusual. Anyway...let’s get serious.⠀ .⠀ I’m in a weird spot right now, and want to know what you’re thinking. I don’t really know what to share here. You know, COVID precautions are still a thing in my life. Black Lives Matter is definitely not a trend for us, and is something I’m passionate about. Whats the amount to share about those things? What do you want to see? What’s even appropriate? I don’t have great answers, but I’m interested in where you guys are at too. Thoughts on that one?⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ . ⠀ ⠀ #midwestbloggers #morningslikethis #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuewhatislovely #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #seeingthepretty #glitterguide #beautyyouseek #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #beautyblogs #beautybloggerlife #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #darlingmoments

Today was great.⠀ .⠀ Sunny days are great. Hiking with dogs is great. Reading books that make you think is great (How to be Antiracist by @ibramxk). Tough but fulfilling conversations are great. Drinks with friends is great. Greasy burgers are great. It was just perfect.⠀ .⠀ Not great? A 14 hour drive home. But thanks for the fun Montana. We lived, we learned. we rested. Now it’s time to continue the work (and play) back at home.⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ . ⠀ #midwestbloggers #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuewhatislovely #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #iamtheeverygirl #seeingthepretty #verilymoments #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #darlingmoments #girlsborntravel #thewanderingtourist #travelcaptures #montanamoment #visitmt #adventuredog #bestdaysever #discoverunder1k

Woman smiling at salad 🥗😄⠀ .⠀ Mom and I roasted up a whole rainbow of veggies for dinner today to enjoy with some mussels (kinda hard to get in the Midwest!). Definitely a needed change after the heavy dinners we’ve been having 😰⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ . ⠀ ⠀ #midwestbloggers #morningslikethis #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuewhatislovely #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #seeingthepretty #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #darlingmoments #vegetablegarden #eatgreen #foodiesofinstagram #cleaneating

Yesterday was the goodbye service for Charles’s uncle, John. John was by far the most welcoming and generous person I have met in a long, long time. I first met him at his mother’s funeral, and he was immediately so warm with his dry humor and wit, and made me feel included and like I was supposed to be there. ⠀ .⠀ I always enjoyed our conversations, and Charles has filled our time with fond memories over the past few days. My favorite memory is from the day this picture was taken. They were in Montana, and we drove down to meet them from another town. John waited until Charles went to the bathroom and started grilling me about how we weren’t married yet and we needed to hurry up because he wasn’t getting any younger and if we were going to be together anyway, what was the point of waiting?! Now, I wanted to get married and Charles was dragging his feet a little. “We’ll fix that.” Says John. Charles came back to the table and then John started grilling HIM. We got engaged less than two months later. Effective? Yes. He just wanted to see us settled down and happy. He was so big on family, and wanted everyone to have a big happy family like he did. ⠀ I’ll miss his kind and funny spirit, and I got to know him for only a few short years! It’s clear he was a huge presence in his family and he’ll be so deeply missed. Be more like Uncle John...tell a joke today to the people you love.⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ .⠀ . ⠀ ⠀ #midwestbloggers #morningslikethis #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuewhatislovely #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #seeingthepretty #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #darlingmoments

I feel like we really ended this school year with a whimper more than a bang. Final grades are submitted. I’m ready for a summer of recharging. I’m sad that I didn’t get more time with my students this year. I’m sad that we didn’t get to have time for the important conversations these last weeks. I’m not sad to embrace a summer of time off, reading and learning and crafting and baking and milkshakes and walks by the water. . Maybe I’m the most excited about the reading. I had a goal of reading 20 books this year, but it’s looking like I’ll have hit that number by the end of June. I’ve haven’t read this much for personal learning and enjoyment since...high school? I finished White Fragility (@diangelorobin) tonight and am making my way down my reading list! It helps to have a nice spot to sit and a treat from Portland Malt Shop! Do you have big plans for the summer? . . . . . #midwestbloggers #societygal #caffeinateandconquer #pursuehappy #abmlifeisbeautiful #abm #abmlittlethings #mnblogger #igersmidwest #midwestblogger #midweststyle #iamtheeverygirl #verilymoments #smalltownliving #smalltownusa #midwestliving #midwestlife #twincitiesbloggers #twincitiesblogger #wisconsinlife #minneapolisblogger #oneofthebunch #abmfoodie #eatcaptureshare #eatpretty #shareyourtable #dessertheaven #sweetcravings #dessertlovers #darlingmoments

Nobody seems to know what to say right now, or over the past few days, but here’s what I’ve been thinking. I’ve seen this graphic everywhere (it’s from @stuffgracemade) and haven’t been able to get it out of my head. I am so happy to see my feed flooded with people, brands, and all kinds of businesses who couldn’t sit silent. Who couldn’t stay neutral. Who are putting morals over money. Influencer culture is hard to quantify, but I think people will often make the right choice if you let them. It’s also shown me who doesn’t make that choice. I’ll be honest, i was hitting the unfollow button a lot as I saw outfit posts and sponsored content from local bloggers. It’s just not good timing, and left a bad taste in my mouth. . I’ve been really active on stories and spending a lot of time just listening and learning over the past few days. All I can hope is that we don’t stop listening over the coming weeks, months, years...as long as we need. I’m still learning, unlearning, and relearning, and love how many people are on this journey with me, whether you’ve been trying to be a good ally for years, or just a few days. Here’s hoping that it doesn’t take more senseless deaths to see real change. It’s clear that the world won’t stand for it.